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Champagne Francois Seconde is a small, 5 hectare plot in Sillery, Mailly-Champagne, Puisieulx, and Verzenay, all within the region known as Sillery. An independent wine producer, Francois Seconde is the only RM (Recoltant Manipulant) in the region of Sillery. This uniquely Champagne designation means that they are producers making wine entirely from their own grapes. Colloquially, RMs are referred to as “Growers” and the wines are called “Grower Champagnes.”
Sillery rose to fame in the 17th century. Nicolas Brulart was the owner of Sillery Castle and its surrounding vineyards, as well as the Chancellor to King Henri IV. Henri and his inner sanctum gained exposure to the wines of Sillery through this connection to his Chancellor. By the 18th century Sillery Champagnes had a national reputation for their excellence.
Francois Seconde left school and began apprenticing in Champagne’s vineyards at the age of 14. In 1972, he was able to purchase his first vineyard. By 1976, he increased his vineyard size to 3 hectares. Shortly thereafter, along with Anne-Marie, his wife, he began producing his own Champagne. Today, the holdings total 5.5 hectares. They produce just two grape varieties, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The average age of vines is just around 40 years. Farming is done sustainably and as of 2023, no herbicides, nor insecticides are utilized on any of their vineyards.
Champagne Brut Grand Cru
From vines around 40 years of age in the Montagne de Reims, this is 2/3 Pinot Noir and 1/3 Chardonnay. Typically, 30% of the wine is from reserves. This is aged between 18 and 24 months, and riddling is done manually. The dosage is a relatively low 8 grams per liter. As such this wine is quite dry. This Champagne is mineral-driven, with pleasant floral and citrus notes. Touches of golden cherries play about light baked bread, along with some tropical notes, and more citrus.
Champagne Brut Rose
This is made from 100% Pinot Noir, and includes 20% reserve wines. The rose is aged for 24 months. Riddling is manual, and like the Brut, the dosage is just 8 grams per liter. It should be noted, this is the only Grand Cru Rose from Sillery, and as such is a requirement for those seeking advanced wine certifications. Moreover, this is an absolute stunner. Cherried, with well-integrated citrus notes, this is exceedingly refreshing, although still soft and supple around the edges. Champagne Francois Seconde Brut Rose is pure joy; that very stereotypical image of a cork popping (god forbid), a gasp of expectation, a clink of glasses, and then a massive, collective, yum from those consuming it. Fatty tuna sushi with something crunchy on top, buttermilk-marinated fried chicken, and/or crispy arctic char with roasted red pepper coulis are all what the doctor ordered here. That, or a mountain view, with your back to crashing waves, on a beach somewhere breezy. Ahhhh…..